Boats set to skim over the water at speeds more than 100 mph

Friday

If speed and water is your thing, then the American Power Boat, Limited Hydroplane, Inboard Eastern Divisional boat race is for you.

The Morgan City Power Boat Association, with help from the New Orleans Power Boat Association has been chosen to host the annual race over Memorial Day weekend, May 24-26.

The races, which are sanctioned by the American Power Boat Association, will be held on Lake Palourde in Morgan City, for the third consecutive year.

The races are held here "because Morgan City has one of the finest race courses in the nation," said Marie Siracusa, festival director, secretary and promotional artist.

Siracusa said Lake Palourde was chosen through a nationwide bid process, for several reasons, including a rich history of boat races on the lake over the years and the fact that it is shallow and pristine for boat races during ideal weather conditions.

"Morgan City has served host to several national racing events since 1930 and several national records have been broken on this course," Siracusa said. All classes of boats will race four laps of 1.25 miles each resulting in a five-mile race. All races are approved for records by the APBA.

Siracusa said more than 50 boats, all of various sizes, style and engine size will compete over the three-day event.

The Eastern Divisional Championships will be held May 26. Approximately $30,000 in prize money will be handed out, Siracusa said.

Siracusa is no stranger to the racing circuit. She is the daughter of a race driver and was raised in the pits -- or the water as it may be.

"I know what it’s like to be bored after a while, wishing there was something fun for me to do," she said.

She said festival organizers went out of their way to ensure a weekend that will be both exciting and fun for people of all ages by planning extracurricular events throughout the weekend.

For the more seasoned race enthusiast, as well as the beginners, the event will feature a tent, sponsored by Major Equipment of M.C. that will showcase actual vintage race boats from the 1930s. Siracusa said the tent also will display vintage trophies and pictures.

For the kids, the MCPBA is having "Kidz Stuff", a weekend filled with fun for the kids including a pirate, a magician, a coloring contest, a parade and prizes provided by Morgan City Rentals.

Siracusa said the pirate, Captain Papillion, is an entertainer, a musician and a storyteller. Papillion has a live parrot that talks.

"He brings different instruments and performs to Cajun and Zydeco music as he interacts with the kids," Siracusa said, "and the magician, Glen Ghirardi, is actually a retired race boat driver."

The coloring contest for ages 6 through 12 will be used to select and crown Little Miss Hydro and Mr. Powerboat who will serve as grand marshalls in a wagon parade May 25.

"Kids are encouraged to decorate wagons and participate in the parade of wagons, it will start near Captain Papillion’s tent and special prizes will be awarded for the three best-decorated wagons," Siracusa said.

Special prizes will be awarded to the two winners of the coloring contest. Those and the parade of wagons prizes will be provided courtesy of Flower Fashions.

"Concessions will be sold throughout the race grounds with plenty of choices for both kids and parents alike, with some Cajun cuisine favorites for everyone to enjoy," said Ginger Haase, an MCPBA member.

The band Déjà Vu is set to perform from 6 to 9 p.m. May 24, and Vince Anthony and the Bluenotes will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. May 25.

There will be a boat-decorating contest, sponsored by White Wing Inspection, for those fans planning to watch the races by boat.

"Fans are encouraged to decorate their boats, regardless of size, for a chance to win various prizes donated by American Supply," Siracusa said.

"We are very fortunate to have the support of the St. Mary Parish Council, the Tri-city area city officials, the Louisiana Tourist Commission and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development," Siracusa added.

"This type of event costs a little over $100,000 to be put on correctly; but on the flipside, it is estimated to bring in approximately $500,000 to the parish economy," she said.

Entry fee to the public is $10 with children 12 and under free. The race grounds open at 8 a.m. each morning and closes at 10 p.m.

For information on the APBA, visit www.goboatracing.net or www.apba-racing.com. For information on Captain Papillion, visit www.kidpirates.com/captainpapillion.

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